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Lochaber Pipe Band - PipeBand, Ohio, United States

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Lochaber Pipe Band

Grade IV bnad located in Lorain, OH just outside Cleveland. Available for parades, weddings and the like.
In October, 1966, four pipers and one drummer gathered at the Canadian Legion Hall in Lorain for the first practice of what had already been named the Lochaber Pipe Band. Over the next few weeks, others joined them and by the end of the year the founders roll of the Lochaber Pipe Band was complete. The first engagement of the Band was a Social Night sponsored by the Canadian Legion, Post 54. The Legion had agreed to allow the Band to use their hall for practice, and had purchased a bass drum for the Band. In return, the Band agreed to play for Legion functions as needed. In the fall of 1967, the Band held the first of what has become their Annual Highland Ball. The event was held at the upstairs hall of the Elyria Eagles, and was billed as A Social Evening with the Lochaber Pipe Band. Admission was $2.50 per person. This event evolved into being called The Mayor’s Ball honoring the Mayor’s of neighboring Cities. Eventually It became Simply The Lochaber Highland Ball Venues for the dance have evolved from the Elyria Eagles through Breezewood Hall in Sheffield Lake, the old Lorain Youth Center/Lorain Party Center, Lorain Catholic Commons, UAW hall and finally to the present site at German’s Villa. The first few dances offered no refreshments, then for some year’s meat pies or sandwiches were served, with the Band now offering a full buffet dinner and dance. Officers have remained almost constant over the years with Allister Wright serving as Pipe Major, Ron Tennant as Pipe Sergeant, Terry Wright Drum Sergeant with an interim of four years when Bruce Tennant served. Terry Wright has served as Recording Secretary continuously, Ron Tennant as Treasurer for seventeen years, Bruce Shaw for two before moving to North Carolina, and Jock Beaton serving as Master of the Privy Purse since then. Walter Burke became Drum Major of the Band shortly after it was formed, serving until his retirement in 1985 when Art Sweet was appointed Drum Major. In 1991, the Band filed for official status as a non-profit organization. All proceeds from band engagements and functions remains in the Band treasury to purchase uniforms, equipment and supplies and provide for charitable endeavors such as funding a full scholarship to the Ohio Scottish Arts School annually. The Band has been fortunate to have several recurring engagements over the years such as Regatta Weekend for the Interlake Yacht Club, St.Patrick’s Days at the Toledo Club, Lakewood’s July 4th Parade, and many others including Civic affairs like Lorain International and other local Civic functions. In 1973, the Band went to Toronto, Canada to Participate in the International Pipe Band Championships. This was a great opportunity for the Band to see and hear the cream of the Piping world, and to stand on the same field with such greats as the Edinburgh City Police, Muirhead and Son, Red Hackle and Dysart and Dundonald among others. While the Band is not primarily a competition Band, we have competed successfully winning firsts and a second in Grade 5 at the Ohio Scottish Games, and a first at Ligonier. Since its inception, the Band wore the Royal Stewart tartan. In 1998, new kilts were purchased in the Black Stewart tartan giving the Band a new look to enter the new Millenium. The Band has had engagements in places as diverse as Canada, Michigan, West Virginia, the Lake Erie Islands and many venues in Ohio.

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Pipebands - America - Ohio
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Lochaber Pipe Band